LAPD IDs suspect in May Day attack on officer

Man fled after 'blindside' attack on a female officer

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles police said Thursday that they had arrested a 23-year-old transient in the "blindside" snare drum attack that injured a female officer during May Day protests.

Brian Mendoza, 23, was booked Wesdnesday by Los Angeles Police Department robbery-homicide detectives on suspicion of felony assault on a peace officer after an unidentified protester contacted investigators, according to police soures familiar with the arrest. He is known to frequent the downtown skid row area.

Mendoza is nearly 6 feet tall and weighs 280 pounds, according to the sources. The female officer, who suffered a partial concussion, is about 5'1" and weighs 115 pounds, police officials said. The impact of the blow jerked her head forward and dented her helmet, officials said.